Product Questions and Answers

The label refers to how the leads range from hard to soft: 4H, 2H, H, HB, B, 2B, 4B. 4B is the softest of this group; therefore, it creates a darker, blacker line easily. 4H is the hardest lead and creates a light line that can be easily erased completely.

- Answered by MisterArt on 21-Apr-14

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Very consistant hardness. No hard spots or weak spots or imperfections in lead, also resist breakage-good when you drop the lead holder on the floor.

Rated by: Shawn M.in New Albany, IN

I have had no problems with this lead. Remember these last twice as long as any pencil. There is no waste or breakage like a normal pencil and sharpener. Many pros swear by them.

Rated by: Peter T.in Chicago, IL

Flawless! I do like the slightly softer leads. The harder leads are great for holding a point.

Rated by: Lee M.in Naalehu, HI

These are great for sketching real life and for general drawing as well. The leads last a very long time! Not very easy to keep sharp, tho...

Rated by: Rich A.in Missoula, MT

Simply the best 2mm leads available. The graphite used in other leads contain many more impurities than you'll find in Staedtler's leads. To answer the person who asked about the function of the color-coded cap included in the 12-lead box: you replace the metal cap that is included with Staedtler's standard clutch pencil with the cap to differentiate the grade of lead in each pencil. Red=2H, Yellow=4H, etc. You can learn the color/grades in just a few minutes of use. They're great if using more than 3 different grades!

Rated by: Rebecca S.in San Jose, CA

Nice lead holders and wonderful lead. No Complaints.

Rated by: William P.in Murrieta, CA

These leads, as far as I can tell, are flawless. They are very convenient for the field since I can interchange them in the lead holder, drawing on several degrees of hardness that I carry in small tubes in my pencil pouch. All are light-weight and take up little space.

Rated by: Danna F.in Turlock, CA

I switched from regular drawing pencils to these, and I swear I won't go back to drawing pencils. As one other guy said don't forget to get a sharpener.

Rated by: James M.in Wilmington, DE

Nice smooth line. Hold the point nice

Rated by: Terri M.in Cincinnati, OH

Great leads. I bought 4 types. Don't forget sandpaper or a pencil pointer to sharpen them.

Rated by: Rich A.in Billings, MT

A great value for a quality product. Staedtler still puts effort towards producing consistently good quality leads. The color-coded caps are a great bonus if you use several clutch pencils for your work. Highly recommended.

Rated by: K. A.in Whittier, CA

My father & I have about 70 years combined experience with drafting, and we both believe that Mars produces the smoothest lead, in all grades. We hope they continue to remain in production, indefinitely.

Smooth and strong. Keeps a point very well, even on the soft leads that I ordered.

Rated by: Raj G.in Houston, TX

Excellent, durable lead. I've only used the softer leads (2B and 4B), and they understandably wear down almost a little too quickly. Better than other leads I've used.

Rated by: Josh W.in Columbus, OH

Great leads, outstanding quality. I use them for all my graphite work.

Rated by: Adam T.in Rouse Point, NY

As an amateur sketch artist, I have been using STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Leads for over ten years now. I have always found the quality of the leads excellent and easy to use. Each lead has white markings making it very easy to distinguish what grade you are using, which is especially important when using several leads of varying hardness. I also appreciate the fact that I do not have to deal with all the wood shavings and sharpening hassles of traditional pencils.

Rated by: John E.in stone mountain, GA

I use an HB lead for the majority of my illustrations and so far this product's quality is by far exceptional.

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